Dandy-Shandy in the Inner-City: Game bring Apostle, congregants and residents together in Waterhouse

There was fun, food, fellowship and a bit of rivalry as one senior clergyman engaged members of his congregation and residents of Waterhouse in a series of games and a dance competition on Thursday.

The pastor, Apostle Dr. Kenton C. Palmer was seen jumping mid-air on occasions as he caught  a stuffed box thrown to him by a church member. He was cheered whenever he successfully connected the makeshift ball with those participating in a game of dandy -shandy. The Apostle pastors the Prophetic House of Faith Restoration Ministries in Waterhouse.

There were signs of physical exertion as Apostle Palmer, fully clad in black jeans and t-shirt sweated, but at the end of the game, there was celebration. The occasion was captured on video and shown on the church’s Facebook Page.

Apostle Palmer said the friendly competition, which also saw persons coming together to play football, dominoes and other games, was a part of efforts to unite residents in the community. The social event will be held once per month going forward. Last Thursday’s social was kept beside the church, located at 1 Holt Close off Olympic Way.

As the congregants engaged in dandy-shandy in front of a zinc fence, women, children and even a dog at one point were observed taking in the game. K-Ci and JoJo’s hit single, “All My life”, could be heard in the background.

“We are bringing back the love in the communities,” Apostle Palmer said.

Olympic Gardens and neighbouring communities in the St Andrew South Police Division have suffered from gang warfare and economic stagnation over the years. The division includes communities like Seaview Gardens, Whitfield Town, Maxfield Avenue and Marverly.

Apostle Palmer understands that engaging the residents is a precursor to getting them into the church where they can be transformed.

“We are not all that boring as people say,” he declared.

The church just celebrated its sixth anniversary, but Apostle Palmer has been in Ministry for 30 years. He was elevated to Apostleship in March this year.

“You have to be strategic when you are dealing with folks these days. You flock them with the Word right away and they are gone,” he said when asked about his strategy for evangelism.

The Apostle noted that the church engages in other outreach activities, however, those are not captured on camera as he believes its not necessary to glamorise the church’s benevolence. His ministry is also supported by other churches, and he explained that two other congregation were represented at the social.

“We are well received in the community, thank God,” he said.

The church’s planning committee had refreshment on sale and in one of the FB videos, one member was seen passing around a bottle of water. Apostle Palmer said they roasted breadfruit and fish and jerked chicken on spot.

The social started at 5 o’clock and went on for hours as persons engaged in the varying activities.

“My team won of course. I scored two goals,” Apostle Palmer boasted as he reflected on the football match played that day. His team also won the dance competition. He laughed before scoffing at the suggestion that he was favoured.

“They have to step up their game. You have to lead from the front ennuh,” he remarked.